IVV vs LVOL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs American Century Low Volatility ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | LVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 201 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -4.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +5.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +5.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | American Century Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 12, 2021 |
IVV vs LVOL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and American Century Low Volatility ETF (LVOL) is a ETF from American Century Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while LVOL returned +5.40%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 4.83% for LVOL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +5.97% for LVOL. Across the full 4-year window we track, LVOL has the edge at +7.65% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.4% for LVOL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -22.4% for LVOL. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while LVOL charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $29 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.09% for LVOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LVOL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LVOL charges 0.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LVOL?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +5.40% for LVOL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +7.65% for LVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LVOL?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.4% for LVOL. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LVOL -22.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and LVOL?
IVV and LVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LVOL?
IVV yields 1.09% while LVOL yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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